On April 27, 2023, at approximately 10:15 p.m., 30-year-old Jeffery Allen McKinney Jr. was fatally shot at an apartment complex in the 1700 block of West Cameron Avenue in Rockdale, Texas. Responding officers found McKinney with a single gunshot wound to the upper torso; despite immediate life-saving efforts, he was pronounced dead at the scene.
The Rockdale Police Department quickly identified multiple suspects in connection with McKinney's death. On May 22, 2023, 18-year-old Marquise Flowers was arrested and charged with engaging in organized criminal activity-murder. Shortly thereafter, on May 27, 2023, 22-year-old James Luther Godfrey IV of Temple surrendered to authorities and faced the same charges.
The third suspect, 17-year-old Isaac J. Carrizales, was apprehended on June 14, 2023, by the U.S. Marshals Violent Offender Task Force at a residence in Bellville, Texas. Carrizales faced charges including murder, evading arrest, unlawful carrying of a weapon, and engaging in organized criminal activity.
All three suspects were detained in the Milam County Jail, each held on substantial bonds. The arrests were the result of a comprehensive investigation by the Rockdale Police Department, which included public appeals for information and surveillance footage to identify individuals involved in the incident.
McKinney's death was a significant loss to the Rockdale community. Born in Seguin, Texas, he was survived by his parents, siblings, grandparents, great-grandmother, children, and his girlfriend. Graveside services were held on May 4, 2023, at the I.O.O.F. Cemetery, with many family members and friends in attendance to honor his memory.
